Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability in the Philippines: Accomplice vs Principal Liability
Understanding Philippine criminal liability through People v. Sarabia, explaining self-defense, treachery, and the distinction between accomplice and principal liability.
When Frontal Assaults Qualify as Treachery: Understanding Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden frontal attack qualifies as treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Constructive Dismissal: When Workplace Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Philippine Supreme Court explains constructive dismissal—when an employer's actions, not words, force an employee to leave. Learn the legal test.
Illegal Dismissal vs Constructive Dismissal: Union Formation and Employee Rights
Understand illegal dismissal versus constructive dismissal through Mark Roche International v. NLRC, a landmark Philippine labor case on union formation.
Accomplice or Conspirator? Decoding Criminal Liability in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lookout is an accomplice, not a conspirator, in murder cases.
Conspiracy in Murder: When Presence Does Not Prove Guilt (G.R. No. 127754)
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in murder cases: mere presence at the crime scene is not enough to convict.
Unmasking Conspiracy in Kidnapping: How Shared Intent Leads to Shared Guilt Under Philippine Law
Explaining conspiracy in kidnapping through People v. Sala—how overt acts before, during, and after a crime prove shared guilt.
AWOL vs Abandonment: When Reinstatement and Backwages Still Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between AWOL and abandonment of work, and when illegally dismissed employees get reinstatement with backwages.
When Circumstantial Evidence Speaks Volumes: Understanding Homicide Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove homicide beyond reasonable doubt, and why dwelling aggravates the penalty.
Beyond Kicking: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man who kicked a murder victim, explaining when mere presence or minor acts do not prove conspiracy.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Proving Your Case Even Without a Termination Letter
Illegal dismissal can be proven even without a termination letter. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Reinstatement or Separation Pay: Understanding Illegal Dismissal Remedies in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts decide between reinstatement and separation pay in illegal dismissal cases, using a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
When AWOL Is Not Grounds for Dismissal: Philippine Labor Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when absence without leave (AWOL) is not valid grounds for dismissal, and what employers must prove.
Probationary Employment in Philippine Schools: Contract Terms and Termination Rights
Understand probationary employment rules in Philippine schools, including contract terms, termination rights, and recent Supreme Court guidance.
Homicide vs Murder: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Understand the legal distinction between homicide and murder in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on treachery and evident premeditation.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law requires both just cause and due process for valid dismissal. Learn the rules from Aquinas School v. Magnaye.
Attempted Kidnapping: When Does Intent Fall Short of Completion
Philippine law distinguishes attempted from frustrated kidnapping. This article explains the legal tests courts use to determine criminal liability.
Criminal Conspiracy and Exempting Circumstances: Duress and Mental Capacity in Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court defined conspiracy, duress, and imbecility defenses in a kidnapping and homicide case.
Rape Conviction and Conspiracy: Why Credible Testimony Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony and conspiracy, explaining key evidentiary rules in Philippine criminal law.
Lease Abandonment and Tenant Rights: The Paterno v. Court of Appeals Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Paterno v. Court of Appeals clarifies when a tenant's departure amounts to lease abandonment and what it means for landlords and occupants.
Upholding Labor Rights Illegal Dismissal AND Unfair Labor Practices IN the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, unfair labor practice, and the limits of "loss of confidence" as a ground for termination.
Shared Guilt Establishing Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide Under Philippine Law
When does a getaway accomplice become liable for murder? Philippine law on conspiracy in robbery with homicide explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Robbery With Homicide: How Intent to Gain and Taking Are Established
Philippine Supreme Court explains how intent to gain and the element of taking are proven in robbery with homicide cases.
Understanding Evident Premeditation and Self-Dense Claims in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts prove evident premeditation and evaluate self-defense claims, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.